Certain intersections stand to gain from losing their traffic lights. According to this study, cities can save money and improve safety by uninstalling signals in low-traffic zones.
New research from Wayne State University extols the advantages of removing unnecessary traffic lights. The researchers studied a sample of 100 signals across Detroit. Eric Jaffe writes, "Extrapolating those findings to all the lights deemed eligible for removal (1,021), [researchers] Schrader and Hummer concluded that Detroit could remove 460 signals, or 30 percent of its total inventory."
While it is true that depopulated Detroit suffers from a glut of seldom-used roadways, every city has its share of low-traffic intersections. The study provides four reasons that can justify signal removal. They include:
- Removing a single traffic light can save up to $8,000 per year in operation and maintenance costs.
- Signals can impede traffic flow as drivers wait alone at red lights.
- Swapping signals for stop signs can improve driver concentration.
- City taxpayers unfairly subsidize the travel of nonresidents by paying for the traffic lights they use commuting to suburbs.
FULL STORY: 4 Reasons to Remove Traffic Lights in the Era of Peak Driving
Slot-Based Design Could Eliminate Traffic Lights
An MIT study determined that traffic lights, and their inefficiencies, could be eliminated if all vehicles were equipped to regulate their speed and "batch" together as they approach intersections.
USDOT: Low-Income Households Bear Highest Transportation Cost Burden
Transportation costs are the second-highest household expenditure behind housing for all income levels.
$817 Million Safe Streets Grants Include $25M for Detroit
The city plans to use the funds to make safety and accessibility improvements at bus stops.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
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The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)